If they beat the Cardinals again today, the Cubs could extend their game- and series winning streak up to SIX! Here’s the way they’ll line up against Michael Wacha and the Cardinals while they try.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- David Bote, 3B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Taylor Davis, C
- Yu Darvish, P
Michael Wacha has been largely split-neutral this season and actually has reverse splits for a right-hander for his career (.323 wOBA v. Righties, .284 wOBA v. Lefties). Know that and you’ll know why Albert Almora Jr. is getting a start today and why the rest of the lineup falls as it does.
With Almora in center field and Jason Heyward getting a breather, right field is opened up for Kris Bryant, who makes room for David Bote at third base. Getting both righties (Almora and Bote, that is) in there today – against a reverse-split righty – was relatively expected and remains a good way to get them some exposure and development against same-handed pitchers.
But the most notable lineup quirk today is the second start for Taylor Davis. Obviously, Davis is going to need to start sometimes no matter what, but I think his inclusion in the lineup today is more about pairing him with Yu Darvish again, given how well it worked last time, than anything else. And before you ask: No, I don’t think we a personal catcher situation brewing here, but if you can kill two birds with one stone, you might as well. Hopefully, Darvish can deliver another 6.0 innings and help the Cubs win the series.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (3:05 CT).